On a Different Note

Conceived eight months ago,Chain Reactions emerged as a socially-conscious group which wanted to combine social commentary with artistic expression. The concerts are also an outcome of the belief that the vibrant music scene in Pune was restricted to a few who could afford to buy expensive passes. Since its inception,the group has organised two ticketless ‘concerts’. Jam sessions,meanwhile,are held every second Saturday of the month. While the group has eight jam sessions to its credit,the January concert is by far its most ambitious project,with more than 15 independent artistes expected to be in attendance,including those from Mumbai,Bengaluru,Chennai and Hyderabad. “It will be more like an adda ,where performers can play and share knowledge. The aim is to provide a platform to indie musicians,” says Nilamber.

Over the months,the group has also associated itself with social issues that are of concern. While the first two collaborative musical jams focused on raising awareness about and opposing nuclear energy,at a meeting held on January 8 it was decided that the upcoming event will support the Free Tibet movement. “We wanted to divert from the anti-nuke theme,” says Nilamber,adding “There will be another meeting on January 15,where we are expecting more musicians and Pune-based students who are members of the Free Tibet group.”

Meanwhile,an attempt is also being made to seek active participation of more musicians. Arif,himself a drummer,is hopeful that this format can be sustained on a monthly basis. “There was no live music scene in Pune until the NH7 Weekender opened up interest,” he says.